Attrition rather than aesthetics embodied this contest as Sheffield United reached the fifth round of the FA Cup with an underwhelming victory.

Blades striker Billy Sharp provided the key moment as he struck from the penalty spot 10 minutes from time to the relief of the home fans — although that was perhaps more because they did not have to endure a replay.

The playoff aspirations of both United manager Chris Wilder and his Preston counterpart Alex Neil were reflected by the fact they made seven and eight changes to their starting line-ups respectively. As a result both sides were disjointed as passes went astray and possession was squandered too cheaply against a backdrop of groans from a less than half full stadium.